Years ago, getting a tablet was simple; Go to the store, request an iPad, and call it a day.

But after several innovative and competitive years, the tablet market has flourished. Now there are dozens of tablets out there, all competing to be the greatest, or fastest, or even the lowest priced. It can be quite confusing for a consumer to make the option. That's why we're happy to break it down for you, based on what you're looking for.

The Frugal Tablet Shopper

If you're looking for a low-cost option for tablets, there's a variety to go after. While we've seen some tablets hit the really low-end mark to the point where their tech is not usable for modern functions like Netflix, the Amazon Fire 7" tablet can handle your every day needs, and comes in just under $50 a pop. It's a great deal that would've been unbelievable just a few years ago. Sure the display doesn't allow for HD but that is only due to the limited screen resolution, not the processing ability of the tablet itself. and it won't be able to handle the newest games that are made for high-end tablets, but if you're looking for a user-friendly tablet it's the thing to get.

In fact, they're so cheap that Amazon almost suggests that you get one for every room in the house, or for every family member. It's why they're available in a handy six-pack!

The Everyday Tablet Shopper

Looking for a tablet that can run games, handle work, and then stream movies in HD as you lie in bed at night? Well you need to look no further than the NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1. With a more than reasonable $200 price point, it can fit in most consumer's budgets. It's features really show off the versatility of a well-built tablet as well: A 1920x1200 HD screen, 2 GB of ram, and roughly a day of battery life means it'll last as long as your wrist holding does - which will be easy with this light-weight machine, weighing only 12.6 oz! Not even a full pound. If you're looking for a tablet that can do lots at a reasonable price, this would be a great choice.

The High-End Tablet Shopper

Are you someone who needs to have it all? Run the latest games, edit photography, or simply have 50 Safari tabs open at once?

Because of the popularity and ease of using tablets, depending on the operating system your prefer or need, there is a tablet available for you. The big question is, which machine is right for you?

If you're in the Windows / Microsoft ecosystem, the Surface Pro 4 is an exceptional tablet that can meet all your digital needs (particularly if it's above the baseline model.) It is computer and tablet right in one device. Running Windows 10 and jam-packed with Intel's 6th gen processors, it's the best Windows tablet on the marketing currently. Comparable to the iPad Pro, it has portability and all the features of the Ultrabook included as well. Starting at $899, the Surface Pro 4 includes a stylus pen, up to 9 hours of video playback battery life, and weighing less than 2 pounds, it is perfect for students and professionals.

If you're in the Apple ecosystem, their recently launched iPad Pro is a large - massively large - tablet that has the processing power to handle all your most intensive tasks. It is, as they say, the tablet that can replace your laptop.

The previously mentioned NVIDIA operates with Android Lollipop and if you're interested in a Kindle, the compact library/tablet uses Fire OS.

No matter which tablet you purchase, the functionality features in most tablets make them great accessories for work or play . Get the product that fits your needs and price point, and if it ever gives you any trouble or you have more questions regarding a tablet purchase, make sure to bring it to us at Wisp!